Caribbean Lifestyle Media-Popular promoters Irish and Chin recently started putting together tour packages for sound systems. Irish and Chin told us, the packages include pairs of sounds, granting promoters an opportunity to book two of the industry's top sound systems for a nominal price.  Therefore, promoters will be able to minimize expenses, while providing patrons with high level entertainment. In addition to the combo of David Rodigan and Mighty Crown, there are numerous sounds in consideration for the Spring 2011 package tour.  Ideally, Irish and Chin wants to peg highly respected, influential sounds that can sell out venues. 

Ideally we would like to see more packages like this from artists of the same caliber as David Rodigan and Mighty Crown. This is a great step in the right direction for Irish and Chin, it will also build the industry in the long term.   In response to this, Chin stated, "Over the years, sound systems have suffered from a decline in international bookings for reasons including but not limited to a decrease in the sound's popularity/pulling power and the hiring of 'local' sounds by reputable international promoters, when promoters hire local sounds, there overhead is cheaper and there is no stress or travel to worry about......but local talent CANNOT replace the true essence of the vibes that top tier sounds bring to the international market. Our campaign is merely a compromise that will offer promoters quality entertainment, while ensuring our sounds have consistent work."  

 

Interested promoters should contact bookings@irishandchin.com. 

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It's going to be an all-out roadblock affair on Saturday, November 7 when top Caribbean radio personality DJ Roy touches down in York College's auditorium to lace patrons of the hit play "Like Father Like Son" with straight Dancehall and Lovers Rock vibes.

For over two decades, DJ Roy has contributed to the growth of Reggae music through out New York and the tri-state area. Through his sound Road International, key position on IrieJam Radio and other pivotal roles, DJ Roy has thrived as a purveyor of Caribbean culture. With these many accolades and the success of his stint during Irish and Chin's staging of Bashment Granny 2 in Queens, New York, DJ Roy will again serve as an ideal source of entertainment.

DJ Roy whole-heartedly converted Irish and Chin's last theatrical effort into a full-fledged bashment, inspiring all in attendance to sing and party. The patrons were so entertained that they didn't even realize the play started a little late. And during the intermission, DJ Roy continued the momentum with a soundtrack of hits, causing the cast to extend his set by more than 15 minutes. Inevitably, the word got out on DJ Roy's impressive performance, as numerous play promoters have since contacted him.

"I believe in thoroughly entertaining patrons and giving them more than their money's worth," says Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. "Sometimes, in order to grow, one has to step outside of the box and take chances."

Irish and Chin's innovative concept of combining dancehall and theater has proven to be quite a hit, as in June 2009, the leading promotions company staged the tri-state area's largest and most talked about production of Bashment Granny 2. This was Irish and Chin's first major step at expanding their brand to include various facets of Jamaican culture. Since then, the promotions duo has scored a new fan base. The exciting, witty play "Like Father Like Son," which features the cast of Bashment Granny, will be a complete evening of entertainment for people of all ages for more reasons than one.

*courtesy Irish & Chin

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* Courtesy of Irish & Chin

Thousands of Reggae music fans poured into Irish and Chin's highly anticipated New York event "Reeewind" over the weekend. Patrons hailed from far and wide, some stating that they traveled from as far as Atlanta and Miami, to take in the landmark staging. And in return -- all in attendance received several solid hours of "Rub-a-dub" entertainment provided by the one-and-only King Stur Gav, Mighty Crown, Brigadier Jerry, General Trees, Capleton, Beenie Man, Sugar Minott and Santa Ranks. Not even monsoon rain could dampen the vibes or attendance of "Reeewind." With strong promotions by Irish and Chin and endorsement by New York's IrieJam radio, the flashback "Reeewind" was a success.

Three of the artists originally billed for "Reeewind" faced immigration issues. Namely, U-Roy, Luciano and Charlie Chaplin were unable to perform. Never-the-less, Irish and Chin came up with a quick solution. While it was impossible to replace all three of the artists, the promoters identified a suitor. Not only did Sugar Minott willingly fill in -- he mashed up the place with flawless vocals through out the night. Irish and Chin is grateful that fans stuck in there despite last minute changes.

"Reeewind" jump started with an intense early warm by the "Far East Rulers" Mighty Crown. For over three hours, Mighty Crown laced Amazura with straight "Rub-a-dub" classics. The crowd responded well as many in the audience held their partners close to groove to the timeless hits. Mighty Crown boldly displayed a side not often seen by the massive. Sami, Simon and Koji, Mighty Crown's foundation guru, maintained great continuity and control of the crowd until 1:30 AM.

Following Mighty Crown was the one-and-only King Stur Gav. The caliber of music that King Stur Gav unleashed was impeccable. Once the bass line dropped, artists took center stage and gave patrons their money's worth until the wee hours of the morning. Amazura was officially converted into a sweat-soaked, vibes-filled "Rub-a-dub" session. In a fashion reminiscent of Reggae music's phenomenal era, the artists toasted on the mic, delivering explosive lyrics over foundation riddims. With Amazura filled to capacity and crazy nostalgic vibes overcoming the audience, most did not budge an inch for the entire night -- not even for a bathroom break.

Every artist on the ticket was a hot item. The audience roared many times through out the night, whether it was for recognizable lyrics or quick-fire freestyles. Born for the stage, Beenie Man dominated the mic for quite a while until he was slightly schooled by Brigadier Jerry who later commanded the audience with his relentless microphone skills. Often credited as one of the forefathers of dancehall music, Brigadier Jerry proved that he is the ultimate deejay.

General Trees held his own rather impressively. He entertained the fans through out the night with his ability to ride riddims continuously. Meanwhile, Santa Ranks held it down for New York. Although Capleton's stints on the microphone were brief, the crowd went wild each time he touched the stage. Capleton relied partly on his heavy catalogue of music, while on the mic. Never-the-less, the audience respected his presence.

Sugar Minott laced the "Rub-a-dub" riddims with perfection. His full fledged vocals were the event's main ingredient. From belting freestyle lyrics and those of his own hits to top Reggae and R&B selections, Sugar Minott was a force to be reckoned with.

At 4:00 AM, patrons were still trying to get in the sold-out event. Even when the lights came on shortly after 4:30 AM, the audience was still enthralled. Finally, Amazura emptied out and based on the exiting chatter, people were rather pleased with "Reeewind." Irish and Chin was thrilled that people had a good time, without worries. This event exposed Irish and Chin to a wider audience, as most present did not resemble typical Irish and Chin supporters.

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The vibes surrounding Irish and Chin's "Reeewind," a genuine "Rub-a-dub" themed event, have been incredible. The streets are talking about this epic affair set to go down on Saturday, October 3 at Amazura in Queens, New York. And lately there has been a perpetual argument brewing of which of these former rivals, Beenie Man or Capleton, will perform better. The last time the two met in "Reeewind's" very same venue, the event erupted into a friendly lyrical showdown, which had patrons on their toes until the wee hours of the morning.

While many fans have pegged "Reeewind" as a follow-up to New York's last encounter of Beenie Man and Capleton, things may not be so simple. This time around, rather than relying on their entire catalogue of hits, the deejays will only have the option of using cultural lyrics. Additionally, only "Rub-a-dub" riddims will be played. Never-the-less, both artists are destined to shine.

Beenie Man, who has been deejaying on sound systems since he has 10 years old, boasts an experience that most current artists could never imagine. He has performed on some of the industry's best "Rub-a-dub" sounds alongside some of Reggae music's biggest names, shining among them all. Although this "King of the Dancehall" has a limited catalog of cultural songs, he is over the top with freestyle lyrics. Truly a favorite among all generations, Beenie Man can chat over any riddim flawlessly.

By all means, Capleton is also a living legend. Capleton's major strength lies in his huge catalogue of cultural songs. Handpicked for this event because of this accolade, Capleton is a heavyhitter. Spending some of his early career on the African Star sound system, "The Fire Man" has a knack and feel for this style event. With a huge fanbase and craft of riding riddims in tow, Capleton will be a force to reckoned with.

Although this event has not been billed, nor promoted as a competition, enthusiasts are waiting to see which of the two deejays will better handle the one-and-only King Stur Gav. According to fans, "Reeewind" is one of the most highly anticipated Dancehall events to hit New York in years. Not only are fans raving about Beenie Man and Capleton's involvement, they are also in a frenzy over the rest of the billing including U-Roy, Brigadier Jerry, Charlie Chaplin, General Trees, Luciano and Mighty Crown. The official countdown to "Reeewind" is underway.

No true Reggae Dancehall or Sound System fan should miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. Irish and Chin is famous for staging reputable, landmark events of this nature in the Tri-State area. Notably, this is the first time that Stur Gav will feature modern day artists. Irish and Chin put "Reeewind" together to bring back the vibes of yesterday and to converge young and old for a memorable night.

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Recently, well known dancehall promoters Irish and Chin, Inc. took on a promotion outside of their norm, the play Bashment Granny 2. After three months of intense promotions, Irish and Chin's staging of Bashment Granny2 on Sunday, June 28 was sold-out! In fact, their staging of the play was the largest in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut). Hours before the play was scheduled to begin, a two-block line wrapped around Amazura in Queens, NY. While Irish and Chin prepared for a great turn out, in no way did they imagine such large attendance and enthusiasm. Seated tickets were sold out at every outlet at least 3 days before the play. Never-the-less, on the day of the event, patrons found no problem purchasing standing-room-only tickets at the gate.

With the immense dancehall vibes flowing through the venue and a cash bar, the spectators were pleased with their investment. DJ Roy of IrieJam radio took the atmosphere to another level, as he turned the venue into an all out jam session. Dropping top selections, which ranged from Gospel to dancehall and R&B, DJ Roy's playing was impeccable. The audience grooved to the sounds while in their seats and standing until the play's start. Of course, it was only right for DJ Roy to lace the place with a thorough tribute to Michael Jackson. DJ Roy did such a good job at entertaining the massive before the play started, that the audience requested that his performance during the intermission be extended.

What made this staging a huge success, is clearly the way in which it was marketed. The promoters strategically chose to stage, market and promote Bashment Granny 2 different from that of a traditional play. Irish and Chin put their unique spin on the event, promoting it in a dancehall manner from venue selection and advertisements to a heavy street presence. The audience truly enjoyed their Bashment Granny 2 experience, which was a fusion of dancehall and theater. Irish and Chin's bold step outside of the box proved to be hit. To date, the company's accomplishments include dancehall events, management and theatre. This recent promotion has opened the door for future opportunities and further exposed the Irish and Chin brand.

PHOTO: DJ Roy of IrieJam Radio

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